Hi there!
We will be in NZ in a couple of weeks and we can't wait!!! Pls help us with the following inquiries:
Auckland- We will arrive at the Int'l airport and have only about 5 hrs there before we fly out, between noon to 5pm or so, already taking into account the check in time. Is it worth it to make a quick trip into town? I read that it takes about an hour to get into town, not including high traffic time. If we have such a short time, what would you recommend? It's such a bummer that both our stops in Auckland is like that!
Wellington- We will have about 2 days there. What is the easiest way to get from Nelson to Wellington? What would you recommend to do there that is interesting? It's the end of our trip so we will have done a lot of tramping, biking, camping, walking by then. We wouldn't mind doing adventurous things, just nothing too labor intensive. What would you recommend that's unique to Wellington? Also, any midrange nice hotels to stay?
Thanks so much, we really appreciate it!
Stay at the airport in Auckland - it isn't enough time to get into town.
There are 2 options from Ak to Wgtn. The easiest is to fly - airnz.co.nz. The alternative is by road to Picton and then on the ferry. This will take you much longer but is nice scenery. Te Papa is the national museum in Wgtn and is worth spending some time at. Visiting Soames Island in the middle of the harbour gives you great 360 degree views and it has interesting history - you catch the ferry and could then go on to Eastbourne.
What is your hotel budget and what days of the week are you here. The Duxten does some good deals for Fri and Sat night and it is on a good location.
At Auckland, you'll have enough time to get to Westfield Manukau, a large shopping mall. Only problem, there is NO bus service so it would mean taxis both ways.
I suspect #1 means Wellington to Nelson when saying flying is the easiest option. It is, and you'll get a quick snapshot view of some of the scenery you'd see more slowly if you ferried and bussed it.
Wellington is more for the cultural set than the adventure tourist - you could go up and do the fly by wire at Paekakiriki. There is also a mini bungie you can do right in town.
Use wotif to sort out your hotels. The Duxton comes in at having an every day rate of $170 - for that money, I'd also suggest the Copthorne - it is on Oriental Parade, facing straight into the harbour. For an olde worlde experience, try the Wellesley - a former gentleman's club turned boutique hotel. It is quite an experience.
For slightly cheaper options, the Quest apartments are generally good value. Or there is the very new (opened this week) Quality Hotel in Cuba Street.
Go to Te Papa Museum in Wellington. It's huge and amazing. I've still not managed to get to the top floor; I just take a look at a different gallery every time I'm there. Katherine Mansfield's house is pretty cool as well if your into period places and they show a good documentary about her life if you're into literature. Wellington is also pretty good for a night on the turps if you're there at the weekend. Matterhorn on Cuba Street was the place to go last time I was there and there is a really good Turkish restaurant nearby. Accommodation wise we've been lucky at got to stay at The James Cook Hotel on the company ticket. It's a pretty good if slightly soulless top end option but Wotif might turn up a bargain.
And myshkin, thanks for the Wellesley tip, looks cool. Will have a look next time we're up there.
While in Wellington (or anywhere in NZ), consider staying in a homestay/guesthouse instead of a hotel. They tend to offer all the comforts of a hotel, as well as meals and uniquely local hospitality, at a considerably lower price.
As others have said, don't try to go into Auckland during your stopover. Unfortunately there's nothing appealing near the airport at all. However, it's not a bad airport to be stuck in; there's a free shower available near the exit (very nice after a full day of flying), and an assortment of shops that's no worse than you'd find in the Auckland CBD (shall I underline the subtlety of that jab?).
Wellington is more interesting at night than anywhere else in NZ. In addition to #4's tips, try Havana Bar for excellent eclectic music and cheap drinks before 10, and enjoy some lovely desserts and coffee at Espressoholic. Rest your weary feet and catch a play, film, or concert; the variety is impressive for a small city. If you're not sick of tramping, the Karori Sanctuary is a good place to spot tuataras (NZ's own cute little dinosaur), several endangered bird species, giant wetas, and such; it's a fun place to casually volunteer as well.
While Nelson to Wellington is a very short and easy flight, I do recommend the ferry ride if you have time and the weather isn't too windy. It's fantastic scenery, thousands of little islands, lots of dolphins and almost supernaturally blue water. That said, I'd only do it once.
Wellington
ahh yes - how did you all forget this 1 - if you're a lord of the Rings Fanatic / film buff do a lord of the rings tour :D and check out the special cinemas wellington has to offer .
A small adventure that might be fun - head off towards the Wellington airport and wait a for a Plane to come right over your head before it lands (near the roundabout) :D
Think I'm echoing the above - too tight on time to visit Auckland. Te Papa in Wellington is excellent and will take as much time as you can spend there.
I think we stayed at the Quality Hotel on Oriental bay - only a couple of minutes walk from Te Papa and a reasonable price, check www.cdlhotels.co.nz. Lots of others around as well.
How could I forget, #6: Ensure you use the lavotories at the Embassy Cinema (?) at the end of Courntney Place. And yes, ducking planes is also fun although not so much as trying to land in one during Wellington's usual blustery conditions. I've seen more rosearys on some flights than in all four of the Exorcist movies put together.
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